This guidance is for primary care prescribers in general practice and out of hours settings—including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—and those giving symptomatic advice or first point of contact for common infections.

The guidance aims to:

provide a simple, effective, economical, and empirical approach to the treatment of common infections

target the use of antibiotics and antifungals in primary care

minimise the emergence of bacterial resistance in the community.

Public Health England developed the guidance in consultation with the Association of Medical Microbiologists, general practitioners, nurses, specialists, and patient representatives. The consultation closes at 23.45 on 21 August 2017.